Rebel coup leader Djotodia named CAR president

Michel Djotodia, the Seleka rebel leader who seized power in the Central African Republic in March, was named president by the acting parliament on Saturday. African and Western powers have refused to recognise him as the country's legitimate leader.

The rebel leader who seized power in Central African Republic, Michel Djotodia, was elected president on Saturday by an acting parliament.

Djotodia led thousands of rebel fighters from the Seleka coalition into the riverside capital of the mineral-rich country on March 24, toppling President Francois Bozize.

African heads of state and Western powers had refused to recognise him as the country’s legitimate leader and called for the creation of the transitional council to lead the nation to elections within 18 months.